1. PROGRAM CHARACTERISTICS THAT SHOW THE GREATEST PROMISE OF SUCCESS
A clear, directive focus, including basic accurate information about risks, and ways to avoid sexual activity.
Goals, methods and materials are appropriate to the student population, providing active learning strategies.
The program is of sufficient length of time, taught by teachers who believe in the program.
Strategies are used that have been effective in reducing other risk-taking behavior in students (e.g. modeling and practicing refusal skills, addressing social pressures on sexual behavior).
Focus on setting and striving for long-range educational, career, and personal goals.

2. STRATEGIES FOR ENCOURAGING ABSTINENCE
Educate teens about media pressure -- how their values and future health are being manipulated for media profit
Provide classroom training and speakers throughout the year to promote risk elimination
Encourage high grades & future goals
Encourage teacher participation through in-service workshops

3. AGE AT INITIATION OF SEXUAL ACTIVITY MAY INCREASE NUMBER OF SEXUAL PARTNERS
If a girl’s age at first intercourse was
< 16 years old
16 years old
17 years old
18 years old
19 years old
> 20 years old
The number of lifetime partners was:
only 1 partner >5 partners
11.3% %
18.6% %
17.3% %
26.0% %
37.6% %
52.2% %
Vital and Health Statistics, The Medical Institute for Sexual Health

4. WHAT TEENS SAY
Over 90% of 1000 teens polled believe that abstinence should be taught and urged by society.
58% of teens felt that sexual activity is inappropriate for high school students.
[The Indianapolis Star 5 May 2000 reported findings from National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy; from 6/2000 CPR News]

5. PROTECTIVE FACTORS IN STUDENTS’ LIVES THAT SHOW THE GREATEST INFLUENCE ON DELAYING SEXUAL ACTIVITY *
Family Factors
High levels of parent-family connectedness
Parental disapproval of their adolescent being sexually active
Parental disapproval of their adolescent using contraception
School Factors
School connectedness
Attending school with high average daily attendance
Some Individual Factors
Pledge to remain a virgin
Higher grade point average
* JAMA, 1997

6. Chastity THE TOP 20 BENEFITS
real love
eliminate risks
honor
integrity / wholeness
peace of mind
emotional health
self-respect
clear conscience
freedom to accomplish your goals
Clarity of mind
better relationships
better marriage
good judgement in relationships
maturity
positive self-image
reduced stress
purposeful dating
romance
mystery

7. CHARACTER-BASED ABSTINENCE UNTIL MARRIAGE EDUCATION PROMOTES...
Good character
Self-control
Loyalty
Responsibility
Commitment
Honesty
Self-Discipline
Integrity
Trust
Respect

8. What Students Wrote
After participating in an abstinence-until-marriage program (WAITS) in their public schools, students had the opportunity to anonymously write their thoughts about abstinence and the classroom program.
These students were taught using the Teen-Aid junior and senior high curricula; however, most students respond positively to any abstinence-only program.

9. What Students Wrote
When asked what students would add to the training, a typical response was “more time for the classes.”
[liked best] “That I can wait till I’m married to have sex.”
“I like knowing that people care about teenagers enough to encourage them to practice abstinence.”

10. What Students Wrote
“I think this was a great program! It was interesting. I can’t wait till somebody comes back!”
“Thank you for understanding what us girls are going through!… a Big THANKS!”
[high school male] “Well, I thought I knew it all about sex, but now I see that I don’t! It was awesome!”

11. What Students Wrote “That you wanted to help us.”[7th girl]
“I liked this course; it explained sex to me a lot better than those ‘Teen People’ books.”
“This course was great.”

12. What Students Wrote
“I loved this course. I believe that it can really open eyes. Thank you for caring enough to show us.”
“Make the classes last longer than just 6 weeks. They flew by!”
“I’m feeling really very good!”

13. What Students Wrote
“I really enjoyed it! (In the start, I did not think I would)
“I think that this is a really good class to be in and we should try to get more people involved.”
“Y’all went over everything to help me abstain from sex! Thanks.”

14. What Students Wrote
“I would not change anything because this class is wonderful!”
“I liked the class the way it is, especially without the boys.”

15. What Students Wrote
Another 8th grade boy: “Make it longer [the course], because it went by too fast and we still have questions.”
“I would add that the program be all year!”[9th girl]
“I wish we would have this course more often.”[10th]

16. What Students Wrote
“I would like for this class to be an everyday class so we’ll not go the wrong path.”

17. What Students Wrote
“It explains a lot of important issues that you need to think about before deciding to have sex.” [10th girl]
“Keep up the good work.” [10th girl]
“GREAT JOB!! Continue to come to classes and teach them about abstaining.” [10th girl]

18. What Students Wrote
“I liked everything about the course because students have a better understanding of what teen sex and outside of marriage sex can do to you.”
“It was a cool class.”
[boy] “I wouldn’t change anything because it taught me to abstain from sex, drugs, etc.”

19. What Students Wrote
“I like knowing that people care about teenagers enough to encourage them to practice abstinence.”
[10th grade girl]